„Za życiem” benefit — PLN 4,000
One-time financial support for parents of a child born alive with severe, irreversible impairment or an incurable, life-threatening illness originating in the prenatal period or during birth. Paid regardless of family income.
Check in the calculator →Who is eligible?
- The mother or father of a child born alive
- The child's legal guardian
- The child's de-facto guardian (a person who has applied to court for adoption)
- Provided the child has severe, irreversible impairment or a life-threatening incurable illness (medical certificate required)
The benefit is paid regardless of income — the programme has no income criterion. The application must be filed within 12 months of the child's birth; after that deadline the right expires.
Required documents and conditions
Medical certificate
A document confirming severe, irreversible impairment or an incurable, life-threatening illness. Issued by a health-insured physician with a 2nd-degree specialisation or a specialist title.
Prenatal care
A certificate that the mother was under medical care no later than from the 10th week of pregnancy (does not apply to legal or de-facto guardians).
12-month deadline
Counted from the date of the child's birth. The right expires after one year — applicable to both parents and guardians.
Where to apply
Municipal or city office (social assistance centre for your place of residence). Application form available at gov.pl or on site.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the benefit apply if the family earns a lot?
- Yes — the „Za życiem” programme has no income criterion. Household earnings do not affect eligibility.
- Can it be combined with the 800+ and becikowe benefits?
- Yes, these benefits are independent. PLN 4,000 from „Za życiem” does not exclude the 800+ benefit or becikowe (PLN 1,000) — they are separate legal titles and separate programmes.
- What if the child was born more than a year ago?
- Unfortunately, 12 months after the birth the right to the benefit expires. This deadline cannot be restored — even if the medical certificate was issued later.
- Is the 10th-week prenatal care certificate mandatory?
- Yes, for biological parents. The certificate is issued by a gynaecologist or midwife. Exception: legal and de-facto guardians (not subject to this condition).
- Which medical documents confirm the child's condition?
- A certificate issued by a health-insured physician with a 2nd-degree specialisation or specialist title in obstetrics and gynaecology, perinatology, neonatology or paediatrics. The certificate template is prescribed by statute.
Was your child born with a medical diagnosis?
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